Carlos Alcaraz’s French Open victory eclipses record set by Rafael Nadal

Hello and welcome to coverage of the final day of the French Open which will see Carlos Alcaraz vs Alexander Zverev battle for the men’s title.

It is the first French Open final since 2004 without at least one of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer participating.

After Iga Swiatek won for the fourth time on Saturday, Alcaraz and Zverev are aiming for their first Roland Garros. Alcaraz, who already has two grand slam titles to his name, saw off Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals in five thrilling sets.

He said: “I have a special feeling about this tournament. I remember when I finished school, running to my home just to put the TV on and watch the matches here in the French Open.

“I watched a lot of matches. Of course Rafa Nadal dominating this tournament for, let’s say, 14, 15 years. It’s something unbelievable. I wanted to put my name on that list of the Spanish players who won this tournament.

“Not only Rafa. Ferrero, Moya, Costa, a lot of Spanish players, legends from our sport that won this tournament, I really want to put my name on that list, as well.”

Zverev is yet to win a major title and in the previous three years suffered heartbreak in the semi-finals. But at the fourth attempt, he’s into today’s marquee match and feels his time has come.

“I’ve said it before and I’m going to say it now again: I was not ready. I was not ready to win my first Grand Slam final. I was not mature enough. I was maybe too much of a kid still. I didn’t know what the occasion means. And that’s why I lost,” Zverev said. 

“I’m 27 years old now. So definitely not a kid anymore. Already getting older. If not now, then when?” 

Zverev is on a 12-match winning streak on clay after winning the Rome Masters last month.